Welcome to Marian University's Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, where future leaders in healthcare are empowered to transform lives through innovative practice, research, and advocacy. The Marian University (MU) rigorous curriculum combines cutting-edge theory with hands-on experiences, preparing occupational therapy practitioners to excel in diverse healthcare settings. At Marian University, students are part of a supportive community of passionate faculty and peers, dedicated to advancing the field of occupational therapy and making a meaningful impact on individuals and communities. The Marian University OTD program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become highly sought-after occupational therapy professionals.
The Marian University OTD program is currently in development. Applications for the Marian University Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program are scheduled to open in Summer 2026 with the first cohort matriculating in January 2027. Cohorts will then be admitted annually each Fall. All dates are pending successful progression through the accreditation process (see the statement below for additional information.)
The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of occupational therapy. Key areas of study include:
Students engage in a mix of classroom lectures, laboratory sessions, and fieldwork experiences to develop a well-rounded skill set.
Graduates of the MU OTD program will be prepared for rewarding careers in a variety of settings, including:
We know many students may want to be occupational therapists but are unsure which graduate pathway is best for their journey. At Marian University students can join the graduate occupational therapy programs and then make this decision within the first year after further exploration of the profession.
Bridge towards graduate programs in occupational therapy from Marian University undergraduate majors.
We have established strong partnerships with various healthcare facilities, schools, and community organizations. These relationships provide students with diverse fieldwork and capstone opportunities, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in different practice settings.
The program boasts a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are leaders in their respective areas of occupational therapy. With a blend of academic expertise and real-world practice experience, faculty provide students with invaluable insights and mentorship throughout their educational journey.
Train in our cutting-edge simulation labs equipped with the latest technology and adaptive equipment used in the field. This hands-on experience ensures students are well-prepared for real-world scenarios.
Collaborate with students from other healthcare programs, fostering the teamwork skills essential in modern healthcare environments. Marian University is home to the Woods College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Leighton School of Nursing, and programs in Occupational and Physical Therapy.
Embark on a fulfilling career path with Marian University's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Join us at Marian University's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program and embark on a journey to become a skilled, compassionate, and innovative occupational therapist ready to be a transformational leader making a positive impact in communities and beyond.
The Marian University entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).
In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. The program must have a documented and published policy to ensure that students complete all graduation, fieldwork, and doctoral capstone requirements in a timely manner. This must include a statement that all Level II fieldwork and the doctoral capstone must be completed within a time frame established by the program.
Students enrolled in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program are required to participate in fieldwork experiences in order to successfully complete the program. Prior to participating in fieldwork experiences, all students are required to obtain and pay for a background check and any other mandatory screening processes. Upon completion, students are required to submit necessary documentation via the appropriate vendor, as identified by the department. The timeline for completion of the background checks and other screening processes will be articulated by the program.
Positive results from a criminal background check that are sufficiently severe in nature may result in the inability of a student to progress in the program and may result in dismissal. Examples of sufficiently severe offenses include, but are not limited to; violent felony convictions, convictions for crimes of deception, convictions for sex crimes, and placement on a sex offender registry. Any subsequent criminal arrests that occur after enrollment must be reported to the unit Dean, or designee.
When a student has a positive finding on a criminal background check, they are strongly encouraged to go through the NBCOT Early Determination process. The appropriate personnel on campus and at a fieldwork site will evaluate the information and surrounding circumstances to determine if the student can participate in a fieldwork experience. Although the University will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. The occupational therapy program will take reasonable steps to find alternate placements, but a failure to place students as a result of a positive criminal background check may result in a student being unable to satisfy the graduation requirements of the program.
Even if allowed to progress in the program, students should be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the State certification body. Students are advised to consult the appropriate certification body corresponding to their intended occupation for more details.
Successful completion of a program of study does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.
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Notice of Nondiscrimination
Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
*Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation.
Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.
Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.
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